Ode to Joy (Ode An die Freude) Printable Lyrics – PDF

“Ode To Joy ” or “Ode an die Freude” in German, is the main theme of the fourth and final movement in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Unlike the tradition in the genre of classical symphony which is strictly orchestral music, Beethoven embellished his last symphony with a grandiose vocal part; four vocal soloists, supported by a large chorus, are summoned to sing along with the orchestra. The lyrics sung are a revision of the inspirational poem An die Freude, originally written by Friedrich Schiller in 1785.

Through his 9th symphony, Beethoven expressed his ideals of a higher morality and the notion of a free and rational modern humanity. In 1972, the European Council adopted the piece as the “Anthem of Europe” and, later on, the European Union followed this example. Beyond any doubt, Ode to Joy has proved to represent a universal and timeless symbol of peace, brotherhood and freedom that people all over the world identify with. This profound masterpiece of ingenuity is sung in more than 13 different languages and performed in major official events and celebrations – not to mention the numerous flash mobs around the globe!

On this page you can find the German lyrics, the English translation and a printable lyrics PDF file for free download. We have selected for you a few videos that will help you get a taste of the greatness of this piece: First you can listen to an excerpt from the 9th symphony; second, the version as the European anthem. Last, but not least, a flash mob from 2014 that depicts people’s spontaneous participation. Almost 2 centuries have passed since 1824 that Beethoven wrote his 9th; yet it still resonates mankind’s noblest expression to the universe!

Contents

Printable Lyrics PDF

Click on the button to download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free.

Lyrics in German

Freude, schöner Götterfunken,
Tochter aus Elysium,
Wir betreten feuertrunken,
Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!
Deine Zauber binden wieder,
Was die Mode streng geteilt;
Alle Menschen werden Brüder,
Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

Wem der große Wurf gelungen,
Eines Freundes Freund zu sein,
Wer ein holdes Weib errungen,
Mische seinen Jubel ein!
Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele
Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund!
Und wer’s nie gekonnt, der stehle
Weinend sich aus diesem Bund.

Freude trinken alle Wesen
An den Brüsten der Natur;
Alle Guten, alle Bösen
Folgen ihrer Rosenspur.
Küsse gab sie uns und Reben,
Einen Freund, geprüft im Tod;
Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben,
Und der Cherub steht vor Gott!

Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen
Durch des Himmels prächt’gen Plan,
Laufet, Brüder, eure Bahn,
Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen.

Seid umschlungen, Millionen.
Diesen Kuß der ganzen Welt!
Brüder! Über’m Sternenzelt
Muß ein lieber Vater wohnen.
Ihr stürzt nieder, Millionen?
Ahnest du den Schöpfer, Welt?
Such’ ihn über’m Sternenzelt!
Über Sternen muß er wohnen.

English translation*

*for the English lyrics of “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”, click here

Joy, beautiful sparkle of the gods,
Daughter of Elysium!
We enter, fire-drunk,
Heavenly one, your shrine.
Your magic again binds
What custom has firmly parted.
All men become brothers
Where your tender wing lingers.

Whoever has had the great fortune
To be a friend’s friend,
Whoever has won a devoted wife,
Join in our jubilation!
Indeed, whoever can call even one soul,
His own on this earth!
And whoever was never able to, must creep
Tearfully away from this band!

All creatures drink of joy
At nature’s breasts.
All the Just, all the Evil
Follow her trail of roses.
Kisses she gave us and grapevines,
A friend, proven in death.
Ecstasy was given to the worm
And the cherub stands before God.

Gladly, as His suns fly
through the heavens’ grand plan
Go on, brothers, your way,
Joyful, like a hero to victory.

Be embraced, Millions!
This kiss to all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Are you collapsing, millions?
Do you sense the creator, world?
Seek him above the starry canopy!
Above stars must He dwell.

Sing-along Video (excerpt from Beethoven’s 9th)

European Anthem Sing-along Video

Flash Mob Video

In 1907, the American author Henry van Dyke wrote “The Hymn of Joy” or “Joyful, Joyful we adore thee”, set to Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy”. You can watch a sing-along video and download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free by clicking on this button:

Click on the button to watch a piano tutorial video and
download a PDF file with piano sheet music for beginners of this song for free.

Please click on the button for a printable PDF file with Guitar Chords,
Tabs and Sheet Music with notes and tablature for this song for free.

You can click on the button to watch a glockenspiel / xylophone tutorial video
and download a free printable PDF file with glockenspiel /
xylophone Music Sheet and Note Chart of this song.